GRACE POE

Mr. President, Ambassador Lagdameo’s almost two (2) decades in foreign service is exactly what we need to navigate the changing landscape in the United Nations.

I am confident that his experience as Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Spain, United Mexican States, Republic of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama all shaped him to be a great envoy to the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

His election as President of the 32nd International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly last 2021 is a vote of confidence of the States he’s been working with.  It was the first time that the Philippines was picked to head the highest governing body of the United Nation’s specialized agency that ensures the safety and security of shipping and prevents marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

His competence is indeed an asset here and abroad.  Ambassador Lagdameo’s acquired knowledge and extensive work experience in the foreign service is an advantage as we promote our foreign policy with other nations.  Personally, he is the most unassuming, humble, friendly and charming diplomat – uhm, and he’s also taking care of a lot of our kababayans in the UK and even  when we had our official visit there, he was very gracious and a kind host to us, and we are grateful. It is, thus, my honor to support the nomination of Ambassador Lagdameo  as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  

Thank you.  

 Mr. President, my dear colleagues, I am very pleased to introduce today our nominee, who is a household name when it comes to election cases. Many of our colleagues here know him very well, and have even sought his counsel in the past. Walang kandidato ang hindi nakakakilala sa ating nominee. From barangay to presidential electoral protests, his name is always present, and he has become the standard to which many election lawyers aspired to be.

With his long list of clients and vast experience in the field of election law, one would think that he is of the generation of long-established luminaries like most esteemed compañeros, but in reality, he is just part of the age bracket of Aga Mulach - still young and in the prime of his years, yet already imbued with wisdom and understanding of election law jurisprudence.

He is probably one of the most famous leading men in oral arguments before the Commission on Elections, Electoral Tribunals, and even the Supreme Court. Siya si Coco Martin ng election law - always prepared to argue his cases for hours, drawing case details and even passport numbers from thin air.

Ang kaniyang diskarte at karisma bilang Caviteño, dagdagan pa ng sipag at tiyaga, ang nagtataguyod sa dating simple at hamak na Political Science student ng Lyceum College na si George Erwin Garcia, kung saan nakuha niya ang prestihiyosong Jose P. Laurel Scholarship.

He did not come from money but this was never a barrier to Atty. George's success. Even at an early age, he understood the weight of being the eldest among four (4) children of government employees with meager salaries. In law school, he juggled studies with his load as a working student, while putting the cash prizes from various awards – from  education awards such as Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, Ten Outstanding Students of Manila and Ten Outstanding College Editors of the Philippines. Mabuti na lang at hindi pa uso ang mga Tiktok at Youtube nuon, kung hindi naging influencer na rin ang ating nominee makatapos lamang ng pag-aaral.  And he certainly has the personality for that.

In spite of all these, recognition has never factored into Atty. Garcia's goals. It’s not unusual to hear of his involvement in high-profile and controversial election cases, but he accepts these not for the recognition, but simply because it is his calling. Blessed with a brilliant legal mind, he has devoted himself to upholding the integrity of our electoral system, and pushing for necessary advancements in our jurisprudence.

I am no stranger to his brilliant lawyering which I experienced firsthand when he championed my case before the tribunals. He navigated with such quiet confidence the issues hammered in marble granite insofar as legal principles and doctrines were concerned. Under Atty. Garcia’s counsel, this case gave way for the creation of a landmark law, namely Foundling Recognition and Protection Act.

A law like this will impact not just me, but countless Filipinos across the globe - clearly illustrating the wide-ranging impact of Atty. Garcia not just on our election laws, but on our general legal landscape.

With his exemplary achievements in the legal profession, we can say that our nominee is sui generis or a class of his own.  He is probably the only lawyer engaged by parties who used to be opponents, such as in the case of Senate President Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, as well as Manila Mayors President Joseph Estrada and Isko Moreno.  Atty. Garcia is doubtless a true professional, to be this sought after by politicians of different colors.

Truly, behind his massive accomplishments, Atty. Garcia has never forgotten his roots, and he remains a simple man.  He still eats in roadside carenderias even on days when he’s wearing his three-piece suit to work.  He still does his weekly groceries at the bidding of his wife and commander-in-chief.

With a sterling career in private practice and a fulfilling personal life, Atty. Garcia really has nothing left to accomplish.  Indeed, this appointment is less an achievement on his end, and more an act of service and sacrifice for this country, as it has required him to relinquish the freedoms and income of his highly successful private practice.  Mabuti na lang at suportado siya ng kanyang kabiyak na isa rin kawani ng gobyerno.  Thus, he has readily stepped up to the task, eager to serve the country as best as he can.

With that, it is my honor to support the confirmation of the appointment of Atty. George Erwin Garcia as Commission on Elections Chairperson.

I so move, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. 

 No other person fits the bill better when we say Interior Secretary.  The multi-awarded Mayor of Mandaluyong City for five (5) terms, and former President of Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and League of Cities of the Philippines, knows local government the way others may not.

True to his slogan, “Gawa Hindi Salita”, his “Vax as One” program when he was Chairperson of the MMDA proves he can work with local chief executives quickly and efficiently.  Si Secretary Abalos ang full dose at booster na kailangan ng DILG para kumilos ng mas mabilis.

Just like my father, Secretary Benhur is a horse aficionado kaya’t naniniwala din po ako na kasing bilis ng kabayo ang kanyang pagtugon at paghahatid ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa oras ng kanilang pangangailangan.

I may not know Secretary Abalos personally, but the few times I’ve met him, I was struck by his humility.  Humility is a trait high-ranking government officials as well as all government officials should have lalo na sa DILG.  Hindi power tripper but a unifier is who we need.

With that, it is my honor to support the confirmation of the ad interim  appointment of Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. as the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Secretary.

Thank you.

Mr. President, if not for Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin I would not be in this Chamber today. 

Hindi po ako makakapagpatuloy  na magserbisyo sa Senado kung wala po si dating Justice Bersamin, actually Chief Justice.  Pero nung kaso po ng 2016, isa po siya sa mga mahistrado na bumoto para sa karapatan ng mga inabandona.  At ‘yan po ay hinding hindi ko makakalimutan at ilang daang libong mga naabandona ang palaging magpapasalamat sa batas at sa mga naging desisyon ng Korte Suprema.  Maraming salamat po.  But ang boto ko po ngayon ay hindi lamang dahil sa nagawa niya para sa akin kundi dahil sa kanyang kwalipikasyon.  

S’ya po ay isang napakatalino.  Nag top po sa Bar, nasa top 9 at hindi lamang ‘yun, ‘yung kanyang serbisyo sa Supreme Court ay makikita naman natin na talagang napakahusay, at higit sa lahat, perfect po siyang Executive Secretary kasi hindi lamang matalino kundi meron ding sense of humor.  At sa trabahong ‘yan, you really need a good sense of humor because there are a lot of challenges that will come your way and sometimes you just have to be able to weather them and to put things in proper perspective.  So, you’ll definitely be an asset to our President and definitely to our country and our countrymen.

Thank you, Mr. President.

“Mr. Chair, I consider it a matter of honor and privilege to support the nomination of Ambassador Locsin.

The nominee is a brilliant lawyer and an accomplished journalist.  However, he has continuously offered his intelligence and talents in the service of the Filipino people.  This is evidenced by his extensive years in government –  from speechwriter of three (3) former presidents to three-term Makati Representative to permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.

Ambassador Locsin is famously known for his loud and colorful commentaries on social and political events.  Yet he has always been quiet about his accomplishments when, in fact, his expertise in navigating international affairs and pursuing the Philippines’ independent foreign policy is unparalleled.

That is why I stood here to support his confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs four (4) years ago.  He has not betrayed this Commission’s trust since then.

During his tenure, he forged crucial economic relationships with new and non-traditional partners, strengthened defense commitments from our allies, introduced important improvements to our passport services, and spearheaded pandemic responses to overseas Filipinos in Distress  and  vaccine  procurement  in   the 

country.

His public career was and continues to be built on powerful but charming articulation of words; and words are the diplomat’s tool and weapon.  Kaya’t kung anong talas ng kanyang isip at pananalita, makakasiguro tayong ganoon din katalas ang kanyang pagsulong sa interes ng ating bansa at ng mga Filipino, lalo na para sa mga OFWs.

I hereby co-sponsor the consent to the nomination of Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Lopez Locsin Jr. as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

I so move, Mr. Chair.”

My dear colleagues, nothing brings more comfort than seeing real practitioners rise above the ranks and get appointed to the top of their respective fields.  It is certainly reassuring that we see an election law practitioner get appointed to the bench of COMELEC.  He also has the makings of a great COMELEC Commissioner, extensive experience in election law, a prolific academic background, and a seasoned leadership perspective from leading various academic institutions.

COMELEC  Commissioner Maceda’s record speaks for itself.  I’m sure that his father and namesake, the late Senate President Manong Ernie Maceda, as well as his beloved mother Manay Ichu, are now celebrating in the high heavens together with their barkadas, my father and my mother, as we confirmed Ernest’s well deserved appointment.

On a personal note, I will always be grateful to his mother, Manay Ichu, with whom I’ve learned a lot from.  A selfless, hardworking, and principled woman.  It’s evident that those values were instilled in Atty. Ernest.  In fact, pareho kami ni Senator Jinggoy na sinisermonan dati ni Manay Ichu kapag hindi maayos ang aming pag-uugali.  Pero mas maraming sermon ang natanggap si Senator Jinggoy, for sure. 

Mr. President, si Commissioner Maceda obviously learned from his mom, that’s why he also has a good judge of character.  I also want to pay tribute to his wife, Rica, who is very generous, kind, loving, and really a patriot herself.  

Coincidentally, today marks the 18th death anniversary of my father, Fernando Poe, Jr.  At katulad ni FPJ, at alam ko po na ang ating appointee ngayon ay merong isang salita.  Napakahalaga po ang pinagdaanan noon n’ung 2004 sa COMELEC and ngayon Ernest, ang appointment mo.  Thus, it is with great pride and privilege to give my support for the confirmation of Commissioner Maceda.

“Mr. Chairperson, “Citizen Gibo” enjoyed a private family life, free from the  watchful eyes of the public during the last decade. Twice, he begged off  from heading DND again, but it seems like that at the third time is a charm.  That this is already his second tour of duty in the Department speaks to  the vote of confidence that our armed personnel has in him. 

We may be on the opposing sides of the political spectrum but there is  admiration to be had with the way he responded to the criticisms as to  how Typhoon Ondoy was handled during his stint as Chairperson of the  National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).  We now stand on common  ground in pushing for a dedicated disaster resilience and emergency  management agency. 

Our challenge now to Secretary Gibo is to lead the Defense Department  free from any political influence or bickering.  Like the Department’s vision, we must make the military establishment unequivocally loyal to this  nation’s security, territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

At bilang kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa, umaasa tayo na  pangungunahan niya, kasama ng Department of Foreign Affairs, ang  pagtatanggol sa soberanya ng West Philippine Sea.

Galing at talino, may malasakit sa bawat Pilipino.  This was his slogan when  he ran for the Senate just last year.  We hope to see the same banner call  as he dispenses his duties as the Defense Secretary. 

With that, I await to hear only good things from our new but seasoned  Secretary “Gibo”. 

Maraming salamat po.”

Mr. President, my dear colleagues:

Months before the appointee was forcibly recruited to do hard labor in the Cabinet, he said that to finance the national budget for 2024, the Secretary of Finance must collect billions everyday.

And like a self-fulfilling prophecy, that is exactly what he must  do now.

So that when he finally said yes to what is perhaps one of the longest courtships made by a President to a Cabinet recruit, his friends or at least his true friends, were at a loss whether to express their congratulations or condolences as he would say.  But the good thing about him is that, faced with such a herculean task, has not turned him into a tax-icated official.  And it shows in the policies and pronouncements he has so far made in the two (2) months that he has been in office.  With him at the helm of the DOF, we can be assured that despite fiscal pressures, more taxes will not be the first option of this government, but it’s its last resort.

So Secretary Ralph, we apply the Recto Rule in treating the revenue measures you are pressing us to approve.  Seeing him in plenary today brought back memories, happy, because he is fun to be around with, and a little sad, because friendship does not get in the way on how long he interpellates you.  It was a throwback to that time when to pass a bill, you have to pass through, ram through, or outflank the Recto blockade or a Drilon stonewall.

His interpellations were intellectual marathons, the preliminary version of telenovelas, even lasting months.  But despite his obstinacy, it would be hard not to respect this charming fellow.  Because in the end, bills were tested for their practicality, purged of mistakes, the provisions become sharper, it forces you to study harder, and makes you a better legislator.

So Secretary Ralph, I hope you will be able to do what you have described as an S.O.F’s prime responsibility because if you falter, the entire government can falter.  Your job is not just about translating campaign promises into government projects, or turning rhetoric into reality.  It is about unlocking the full potential of a nation rich in resources, of financing the dreams of its talented people, of investing in a future that generations after us can proudly inherit.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Dear colleagues, allow me to begin with a favorite phrase of our appointee, supposedly: "We have to look to the forest to see the trees." The principle, I believe, would well apply to Secretary Sonny, this is apparently his favorite quote. But what struck me more was when he first sat as Department Secretary, the first thing he asked his teammates was: "How can we make our students eager learners?" This is really spoken by a true educator. How can we make our children more interested? How can we make our children attend school? How can we make their environment better for them?

To get a more accurate picture of his directions as our new Education Chief, let's take a look at his overall character as a, well, nerdy public servant, the most generous boss, the sweetest family man, and a dear friend to all of us here. 

We already know our appointee as a seasoned legislator, a budget expert, and a law school lecturer, among his many otherroles. I would not belabor everyone with his achievements, sasabihin ko pa naman sana para huwag naman siyang nakatayo d'yan ng matagal pero pinaupo na ni Senator Jinggoy.

According to the people close to him, especially his Senate staff, his keenness in remembering budget figures makes him very good at recalling names. Matindi daw magpa-recite 'yan, daig pa ang teacher. A very hard and driven worker, his diligence would surely make him the favorite of the DepEd teachers.

Pero kahit daw /aging nagpapa-overtime, sinisiguro ni Boss Sonny na busog ang lahat ng katrabaho niya. Bawal magutom sa Alagang Angara. Lahat na ata ng klaseng mani at prutas ay naihain sa mga hearings niya sa Committee on Finance. Apples are his favorite. An apple a day. So, alam na ninyo para sa mga teachers usually ang simbolo ng pag-appreciate sa mga guro. 

This is exactly what we want done for the School-Based Feeding Program for both our learners and now with Secretary Sonny at the helm, even for our teachers. Lahat sana ng mag-aaral at kaguruan ay uuwing busog sa pagkain, kaalaman, at motibasyon sa ilalim ng kanyang pangangalaga.

To his staff, he is a great principal and mentor. He makes time to know his staff and usually bonds with them over basketball and some good old 90s UK rock music.

Nasabi ko na noon na kuripot si Senator Sonny. Pero sa sarili lang niya dahil napaka-generous niya sa mga staff. Balita ko ay inaabangan ang mga pa-raffle niya sa office tuwing pasko dahil nagpapamigay siya ng kung anu-ano. Wala pa daw- pero siya luma - kahit namimigay siya ng telephone, siya daw luma pa rin ang telepono dahil walang fibre mula sa phone subscription.

He is a proper gentleman but he can also be the most, as I said, "kanto" boy bully. His sarcasm and dark humor would sometimes get him in trouble but because of his charisma, he always gets away with it.

Charisma is also what captured the heart of his better half, Tootsie, kasi obviously karisma. Tingnan mo naman si Tootsie rin di ba - whom he met at a blind date set by a mutual friend. Just like the love story of his parents - the original Angara and his mother Gloria- may forever sa blind date. Pero torpe pala si Sec Sonny pero that's because he is very respectful.

Indeed, everyone who works with him knows how respectful he is as a consultative leader. He is fair and gives everyone airtime, 'pag naghe-hearing hindi nagdo-dominate kahit siya 'yang Chairperson. That is exactly what we need to retain in the service of our teachers so that everybody may be heard in the DepEd.

So, while we surely miss his wit and wisdom in these halls, we send him off with joy to his new family in the DepEd. Just like his late great father and namesake who championed education as a former UP President and Senator, and his mom Gloria who spent two decades of her life as an educator, Secretary Sonny will surely do well to improve the country's education portfolio.

I am confident that with the appointment of former Sen. Sonny Angara as Secretary of the Department of Education, the "Alagang Angara" legacy continues. With that, I move for the confirmation of his appointment.